montreal river tour

THE 10 BEST Montreal Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in montreal.

Kayaking & Canoeing
Speed Boats Tours
Fishing Charters & Tours
Water Sports
River Rafting & Tubing
Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Gondola Cruises
Waterskiing & Jetskiing
Up to 1 hour
1 to 4 hours
4 hours to 1 day
5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
Pont Jacques-Cartier
Agence Wonder Travel Inc.
Likely to Sell Out
The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Quebec city & Montmorency Falls 1 Day Tour

2. Montreal: Guided Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Bar

3. Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise

4. Le Bateau-Mouche Sightseeing Cruise in Montreal

5. Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame

6. Jet Boating Montreal's Lachine Rapids

7. Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise

8. Guided Speed Boating Tour on the St-Lawrence

9. Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with music

10. Guided Panorama Sightseeing Cruise

11. Toronto & Niagara Falls 2 Days Tour

12. Granby Zoo 1 Day

13. Toronto & Niagara Falls 3 Days Tour

14. 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York

15. Montreal: Guided Exclusive Electric Boat Tour on Lachine Canal

16. Le Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal

17. Old Port of Montreal Private Boat Tour

18. Evening cruise in Montreal

19. Montreal Rafting - Unique experience on the Lachine Rapids!

What travellers are saying.

BATEAU-MOUCHE

60 minutes cruises
90 minute cruises
Signature Picnic
Picnic on the water
4 Course Dinner
3 course dinner
Dinner Cruise Fireworks
Lounge & Tapas Cruise

Dinner Cruise

Starting at $59.99 - Live the Bateau-Mouche's flagship experience in the Old Port of Montreal

Description

The dinner cruise.

Live the distinctive Bateau-Mouche Montréal experience with our unmissable “À la Carte Menu” dinner cruise. Enjoy a front-row seat to the St. Lawrence River and inspiring scenery from our modern, upscale décor. You’ll be charmed by a unique ambience that blends elegant aesthetics with an enchanting atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of the Montreal landscape.

Discover our renewed à la carte menu, offering up to 6 flexible courses, designed in partnership with a high-end caterer. Let yourself be tempted by succulent cuisine, served by an attentive and experienced team, while enjoying a breathtaking panorama. The summery ambience with contemporary notes and the Music + Light experience bring this fabulous nocturnal odyssey to a close.

Please note: The cost of the meal is not included in the ticket price. You are free to choose from our à la carte menu once on board. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with family, lovers or friends – it’s not to be missed this summer!

Le Bateau-Mouche

Music + light experience.

A memorable cruise

3 hour cruise

Full bar and varied wine selection

Full glass window offering a breathtaking view

Menu À La Carte

Gourmet meal.

Sound and light experience

Non-smoking area

According to our calendar.

From May 23th to October 13th 2023

Available from Wednesday to Sunday

Boarding time

Time of departure, return to dock, sunday to friday, $59.99/person + tax, $69.99/person + tax.

Full Menu À La Carte on Board Window table : $19.99/person + tax

The Bateau-Mouche

Book your cruise now.

Temporary closure notice of the Port of Montreal Tower on June 8 and 9, 2024 Read More

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The No. 1 cruise line in Canada!

Weigh anchor for a fabulous guided cruise with breathtaking views of Montreal, the St. Lawrence River and its shores! AML Cruises offers a wide range of cruises on the St. Lawrence River and just as many unique experiences along the way.

From May to October

All departures are from the Port of Montreal's Grand Quay 200 de la Commune Street West

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Toll-free: 1-800-267-7868, international: +1-613-549-8091, email: [email protected], calm-water cruising on a classic canadian riverboat., with each nautical mile, nature's northern masterpiece unfolds., choose a cruise or view cruise rates, kingston & 1000 islands, quebec city, explore intricate river channels, gorgeous scenery & historic attractions., discover the experience or order a brochure, the st. lawrence river - your journey begins, the st. lawrence river has its source from the largest collection of fresh water lakes on the globe, and among all of the big rivers of the world, it is the only one whose volume is not greatly affected by the elements. this river, which sir j.m. lemoine called "the noblest, the purest, most enchanting river on all god's beautiful earth," for miles upon miles acts as a natural boundary between the good friends of canada and the united states., relax and enjoy the st. lawrence seaway, spectacular locks and man-made canals., find a cruise & on-shore excursions, cruise choices, celebration of spring, join us as we kick off the 2024 cruise season with 7 nights and 8 days of fresh spring air on the st. lawrence river and watch the flora and fauna of the river spring to life. this cruise features a unique itinerary and travels from kingston to montreal and return for 7 nights at a special 6 night rate. starting at $3144 cad per person., explore cruise, seaway discovery cruise, cruise with us in the heart of the summer for 7 nights and 8 days of relaxation on the st. lawrence river. this cruise travels from kingston to montreal and return, and features a unique itinerary that highlights the history of the international seaway. during this time of year the river bustles with lake freighters and pleasure boats. starting at $4076 per person., heritage summer cruise, cruise with us for 7 nights and 8 days of warm summer weather on the beautiful and historic st. lawrence river. this cruise will explore the thousand islands region and retrace the routes of early upper canada explorers. learn about the history of the early trade route between kingston and montreal. starting at $4076 per person., discovery cruise series, these 4 night, 5 day cruises were created for those that want to deepen their knowledge of the history, geography, and culture of the 1000 islands and st. lawrence river. discovery cruise itineraries are enhanced with unique attractions, step-on speakers, and an educational focus. starting at $2096 per person., canada's capital cruise, start or end your cruise vacation in canada's capital of ottawa. the historic significance of the lower ottawa river coupled with the amazing 1000 islands and st. lawrence seaway makes this 5 night, 6 day cruise an unforgettable voyage. starting at $2910 per person., upper river expedition, come and explore the beauty and the history of the st. lawrence river and the 1000 islands for 4 nights and 5 days. marvel at the intricate passages and channels of this amazing archipelago of 1870 islands known as the 1000 islands. starting at $2096 per person., fall harvest & colour cruise, as autumn unfolds, the shore and islands ignite with a blaze of colour and travellers come from far and wide to take part in this parade of colour for 7 nights and 8 days. the comibination of fall colours and the invigorating river climate makes this our most popular cruise vacation. starting at $4076 cad per person., canadian connection cruise, experience the beauty of quebec and the richness of french canadian culture on this cruise as your ship passes through all 7 of the st. lawrence seaway locks. this cruise vacation includes 6 nights 7 days on canada's showpiece, the st. lawrence river, between quebec city and kingston, ontario. starting at $3144 cad per person., additional savings, save on your next adventure — discover additional packages & savings on all available cruises., explore savings, talk to an expert & book your vacation 1 800 267 7868, employment • faq • cancellation policy • privacy policy, ©2022 - 2023 st. lawrence cruise lines, website designed & maintained by aliado marketing group..

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Cruises From Montreal

Cruises from Montréal are steeped in history and culture. Experience Canada and New England coastal charms on cruises from Montréal to Boston. Glide the St. Lawrence River to the walled Québec City, then swirl to seaside gems: Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax, and Bar Harbor. Before embarking on your adventure, get to know Montréal, one of North America’s most culturally vibrant cities. Its French identity is well-defined with Parisian-style terraces, patisseries and facades. Montréal cuisine draws from a variety of influences, creating a thrilling food scene to explore. Authentic Jewish delis serve overflowing smoked meat sandwiches and artisan bagels. Delight in the rustic Canadian tradition of visiting a sugar shack for a meal glazed in maple syrup that’s fresh from the “tap.” Once you’re properly satiated, there are world-class museums and impressive international festivals—such as the renowned jazz festival—to fill your soul before your Montréal cruise.

Things To Do in Montréal

There are many things to do before cruises from Montréal. Explore these top picks.

OLD MONTREAL

NOTRE-DAME BASILICA OF MONTRÉAL

MONTREAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

More Details About Cruises From Montréal

Montreal at a glance.

When was Montréal Founded? Montréal was founded in 1642.
Where is Montréal located? Montréal is located in the south east region of Canada.
What is the Population of Montréal, Canada? Montréal has an estimated population of 1.7 million people.
What Language is primarily spoken? French and English
Montréal is GMT/UTC - 5h during Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Montréal is GMT/UTC - 4h during Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
What currency is used in Montréal? Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Travel Tips for Montréal

How do I book a Flight to Montréal? At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Please see more information on our Flight Ease program here .

Where should I stay when cruising from Montréal? We offer hotel packages to our already booked guests. For more information, visit our hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements .

Montréal Cruise Port Information

What should I expect boarding to like for my cruise departing Montréal? Please visit our cruise preparation FAQ how to access or print boarding passes, how to check-in online, and to see if you need a passport.

Can I book an airport shuttle to my cruise? Book an airport transfer from the airport to your ship after you book a cruise with Holland America Line. We make getting to and from your cruise comfortable, convenient and hassle-free. For more information on EXC City Stays & Overland Tours, please visit: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/pre-post-travel-cruise

Are you an already booked guest with Holland America Line? For booked guests, please see more details here on how to book an airport transfer.

Curious about learning more about cruises from Montréal or want more information?

Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.

Add To Your Cruise

Flight Ease

Holland America Line Flight Ease® offers specially negotiated low prices, a convenient and worry-free way to book air travel, late-arrival protection, and the freedom to change your flights with no change fees.

Pre/Post Cruise

Find exceptional City Stays & Pre/Post Overland Packages, which offer a seamless experience ashore to add to your cruise.

Celebrations On Board

Life should be celebrated! What better way than with a Holland America Line cruise? Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life.

More In Canada & New England

Cruise To Canada & New England

Holland America’s New England and Canada cruises takes you to the ports of New England and eastern Canada to bear witness to fascinating histories and vibrant cultures that continue to thrive to this day.

Canada & New England Cruise Deals

Learn more about our current cruise deals to the Caribbean including Holland America Line's exclusive private island, Half Moon Cay.

Shore Excursions

Visitors can walk the Freedom Trail and visit the Public Garden in Boston, or Mount Royal Park in Montréal.

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Montrealers ride for the 25th anniversary of Tour la Nuit

By Anastasia Dextrene

Posted May 31, 2024 11:40 pm.

Last Updated June 1, 2024 9:42 am.

It was all bicycles at Jeanne-Mance park and around the island of Montreal Friday, as cyclists embarked on a 24-kilometre ride for Tour la Nuit.

The event along with Tour de l’Île on Sunday are part of the G o Vélo Montréal Festival , which offers a week of cycling and activities for all. Vélo Québec CEO Jean-Francois Rheault was proud to be celebrating 25 years of bringing Montrealers together while lighting up the streets.

“An event like Tour de la Nuit or Tour de la Nuit are unique. It’s something that you must experience in your lifetime. It’s something that all levels of cyclists can do. It’s easy to do, easy to ride,” Rheault said.

“It’s probably my third time. I’m not necessarily from Montreal, but I love visiting Montreal, especially for events like these ones,” said one cyclist.

Programming began at 6 p.m. with food trucks, festivities and entertainment. It was off to the races around 8:30 p.m. for a journey running from the streets of Montreal’s South-West to along the Lachine Canal.

“It’s fun to see everyone else from the community, everyone from our city,” one participant said.

“You don’t have to get an expensive bike. It’s a way to just get out there and enjoy the nature and being outside,” said another.

In a press release Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante noted “these unique moments, when bicycles are king, allow Montrealers to move, while seeing their city differently. The Tour la Nuit and the Tour de l’Île are, for some people, an opportunity to discover the pleasure of cycling in the city.

“There’s so many polarizing issues today, so I think this is something that everyone can share. No one can be opposed to a biking event,” one cyclist told CityNews.

Come Sunday, Montrealers will have two route options for participating in this year’s Tour de l’Île:

The Regular Route, which departs at 9:15 a.m. from Jeanne-Mance Park, will head southwest. In addition to the classic 50 kilometres, it will be possible to opt for a shortened 28-kilometre route.

Enthusiasts can also opt for a longer Discovery Route beginning at 7 a.m. The two choices of circuits as part of this route – 68 kilometres and 96 kilometres – will run in marked lanes open to automobile traffic.

7 Best Cruises for Singles in 2024

Updated : May 29, 2024

AAA Travel Editors

Table of contents.

Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand
Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords
Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure
Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury
Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal
Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Plan Your Cruise With AAA

With many cruise lines now catering to the single crowd, going on a cruise as a single adult can be a great way to meet interesting people to make new friends, new connections and lifelong memories.

No matter what you envision from your dream singles cruise, you can find a ship and a series of destinations that will create unforgettable memories. There are a lot of options to explore, however and the sheer range of choices can quickly feel overwhelming. To help, we've highlighted several of the best cruises for singles. Keep reading to learn what, exactly, sets these expeditions apart.

1. Celebrity Millennium: Bali, Malaysia and Thailand

Many singles gravitate towards exciting adventures in exotic destinations such as Bali, Malaysia and Thailand, which hold appeal simply because they provide such distinct scenery and such powerful cultural experiences.

Not all singles are willing or prepared to navigate these destinations on their own, however and this is where the Celebrity Millennium comes into play: an upscale cruise removes the hassle of planning and, instead, encourages you to relax in style.

This particular Celebrity Millennium adventure spans nearly two weeks, incorporating a unique blend of serene island adventures, cosmopolitan exploration and meaningful temple visits. Onboard, globally inspired menus and resort-style lounges are to be expected, along with plenty of adults-only spaces that will appeal to singles.

2. Celebrity Apex: Norwegian Fjords

If Norway's iconic fjords are on your bucket list, you can't afford to miss this awe-inspiring Celebrity Apex trip . Departing from Southampton, the eight-night cruise meanders along the coast of Norway, hitting pleasant spots such as Geiranger or Kristiansand for spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. Side trips are available and, with up to ten hours docked, there is plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation options abound and, when traveling alone, the staterooms' king-size mattresses feel extra spacious. An adults-only solarium will appeal to relaxation-oriented solo travelers, while abundant dining and entertainment options make it easy to find and connect with new friends.

3. Celebrity Summit: Grand Heartland Adventure

If you're struggling to choose between glamorous onboard experiences and outdoorsy experiences on land, you're in luck: Celebrity Summit provides the best of both worlds with its various Cruisetour offerings. There are many excellent options that depart from Vancouver, Anchorage or Fairbanks — but the Grand Heartland Adventure is worth considering if you crave something new.

During the Grand Heartland Cruisetour, you'll explore the stunning Inside Passage by cruise ship, before docking in adventure-oriented destinations such as Juneau and Sitka. From there, you'll continue to observe national treasures such as the Hubbard Glacier. Further exploration takes place aboard a glass-domed railcar and even a riverboat.

There's also a lot to experience onboard. The AquaClass stateroom represents a true oasis for single travelers, but the exclusive cocktail lounge and martini bar also warrant a visit. With nearly two weeks of cruising and exploration, you'll have plenty of time to unwind on your own but can also form fast friendships with similarly adventurous travelers.

4. Celebrity Edge: Taste of Luxury

Cruises for singles over 50 often emphasize the finer things in life, like elevated cuisine or exquisite wines. These sophisticated details are in abundant supply aboard the Celebrity Edge, which offers a decidedly elegant experience with its Taste of Luxury tour. Although often frequented by retired couples, Celebrity Edge's trips work well as singles cruises.

Available for three or four nights, this remarkable journey begins in Sydney and primarily emphasizes curated on-board experiences. That being said, there are enticing opportunities to explore while docked in Tasmania. With such glamorous suites, restaurants and clubs on board, however, the best attractions can be enjoyed without ever leaving this luxury cruise ship.

5. Disney Wish: Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Don't assume that Disney cruise adventures are only for kids or families. If you are a proud Disney adult, you can make amazing memories aboard a thematic cruise for singles. This is a popular vacation among theme park enthusiasts, who enjoy a dose of Disney magic while also finding valuable opportunities to indulge and relax.

Disney Wish's three-night Bahamian cruise is also an excellent option for singles who crave a sea-based experience but only have a few days to spare. Yes, young travelers will be around, but there are plenty of adult-only spaces, including sports bars, dance clubs, dedicated pools and even an onboard spa and salon. Musicals, 3D films and fireworks encourage you to embrace your inner child.

6. Oceania Cruises: In the Path of Cartier — Boston to Montreal

As we've mentioned, smaller ships provide some of the best cruises for singles over 50. Not everyone desires a river-based trip, however and with Oceania Cruises , there is no need to choose between exclusivity and ocean liner grandeur.

A signature experience can be found aboard Oceania Cruises' iconic Nautica ship, which is calming, yet elegant. Echoing the journey of the famed explorer Jacques Cartier, this tour provides a powerful introduction to Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

The land-based excursions are highly educational and, of course, beautiful to behold, but there's also a lot to love on board. Belgian chocolate, Bulgari amenities and turndown service await, with many accommodations also providing spectacular views. Open-seating dining makes it easy to interact with other vacationers while wine-tasting and guest lectures promise plenty of onboard enrichment.

7. Oceania Riviera: Ancient World Wonders — Athens to Istanbul

Another appealing option for singles who prefer slightly smaller ships, Oceania Cruises' Ancient World Wonders tour provides stops at some of the world's most iconic locations, such as Santorini and Corfu. Adventures in Dubrovnik and Istanbul can also be expected. On board this remarkable vessel, you'll gaze in awe at the Lalique Grand Staircase and, in general, enjoy a refined ambiance.

Be prepared to try new flavors and forms of expression as you explore unique offerings such as the Artist Loft and Culinary Center. Deep relaxation awaits at the Aquamar Spa or within your luxuriously contemporary stateroom or suite. This ten-night voyage provides plenty of time to lose yourself in the grandeur of the ship and the treasures of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Turkey.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your cruise today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets.

Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

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Beloved by cyclists but reviled by some drivers, Tour de l'Île strives for peaceful co-existence

Organizers of annual cycling event advise people to plan ahead this weekend.

Social Sharing

Tens of thousands of cyclists will take over Montreal streets this weekend for the annual Festival Go Vélo Montreal, featuring the Tour la Nuit event Friday night and the Tour de l'Île Sunday.

The Tour de l'Île will see closures in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Outremont, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Sud-Ouest, LaSalle, Lachine, Verdun and Ville-Marie boroughs, as well as in Westmount.

The route for Sunday's Tour de L'ile stretches through several neighbourhoods, mostly in the area around Mount-Royal and in the southwest.

For the the Tour la Nuit, roads will be closed in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie and Sud-Ouest boroughs.

The Tour La Nuit Friday night is concentrated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie and Southwest boroughs.

Parking restrictions for the Tour la Nuit begin Friday afternoon in some areas as of 1 p.m. and continue until midnight. More parking restrictions for the Tour de l'Île will begin at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and last until 6 p.m.

The events start and end at Jeanne-Mance park.

"We do everything in order to make sure it's going to be a fiesta for every cyclist in town, but we also want to make sure that motorists know about these events," city spokesperson Philippe Sabourin said at a news conference Tuesday.

"Our objective is to have the least impact possible," Vélo-Quebec president Jean-François Rheault added.

Rheault said people planning their routes for the weekend can consult velo.qc.ca/infocirculation for maps and schedules of road closures. He also suggested downloading the Waze mobile application for real-time updates on street closures and traffic conditions.

"There will be options to move around by car Friday night or Sunday. It might be a different option than you're used to," Rheault said.

"So take five minutes to look at the map and you might avoid many minutes or hours of traffic."

Organizers say benefits of event outweigh inconvenience

Rheault said Vélo-Quebec gets complaints every year from drivers who are upset about inconvenience caused by the events.

He said that's why organizers spend months working to minimize traffic disruptions and ensure road closures are well-publicized in advance.

A man speaks into microphones while standing outside

Ultimately, Rheault said the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences, and extend beyond just a day of fun.

"Some participants will be experiencing the city by bike for the first time," Rheault said.

"By allowing families and kids to experience the city streets, it can change their lives. When we ask participants, 'Do you cycle more after the Tour de l'Île?' They say yes," he said.

One of the challenges for people trying to get around the city on Tour de l'Île weekend is that the routes change every year.

Rheault said that's the most fair and practical system

"We don't want to have negative impacts on the same citizens every year," he said.

"The city is dynamic. There's a lot of things that are changing — road works, construction, festivals," Rheault said.

He said Vélo Québec takes all this into account as it plans its routes, both to reduce the festival's impact and give participants a better experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Rukavina has been with CBC News in Montreal since 2002. In 2019, he won a RTDNA award for continuing coverage of sexual misconduct allegations at Concordia University. He's also a co-creator of the podcast, Montreapolis. Before working in Montreal he worked as a reporter for CBC in Regina and Saskatoon. You can reach him at [email protected].

Follow Steve Rukavina on Twitter

External Links

Tour de L'ile and Tour la Nuit maps and information

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DESTINATION GUIDE

The essential guide to visiting Canada

Here’s what you need to know about the world’s second largest country—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

A cityscape lighting up at dusk along a smooth, blue, body of water

Why you should visit Canada

The majesty of Niagara Falls and Banff National Park . Champagne powder at British Columbia ski resorts. Dense forests, teal waters. Polar bears and spirit bears and loons. Poutine in Montreal , lobster rolls in Halifax. The most lakes of any country in the world.

Reflections of rugged mountains and evergreen trees in a mountain lake.

Best time to visit Canada

Spring: Whale-watch at Clayoquot Sound (pronounced clack-what) as some 20,000 gray whales migrate past the coast, a UNESCO Biosphere Region. A million tulips bloom in Ottawa as part of a spring festival .

Summer: This is prime season for canoeing Ontario’s many lakes, driving the glorious Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, rock-climbing at Squamish, and golfing at a world-renowned seaside course, like Nova Scotia’s Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links . End of summer sees the stars come out at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Autumn: Polar bears gather in large numbers in Churchill , Manitoba , waiting for ice to form on Hudson Bay so they can hunt seal. For fall colors, take a boat trip up the Saguenay River, in Quebec.

Winter: Dogsled, ice-fish, and snowshoe at the Carnaval de Québec winter festival. Ski or snowboard at any of a score of high, steep, powdery ski resorts that populate the west, including Whistler Blackcomb , Kicking Horse , and Revelstoke , the last being one of the snowiest places on Earth. At Whistler, ride the bobsleigh track featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

People on a whale/bird watching trip look to the sky with binoculars.

Lay of the land

Cities: Mountains and ocean sandwich outdoorsy Vancouver. Lakefront Toronto’s dramatic skyline is interspersed with museums and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods. Sophisticated cobblestoned Montreal is where Canadians go to let their hair down. Colorful houses cling to the rock of St. John’s while icebergs drift offshore. “Any boat ride that has you entering St. John’s Harbour at dusk is a divine experience,” says legendary Newfoundland folk-rock musician Alan Doyle .

West: In British Columbia, get lost among the islands of Haida Gwaii, home to some of the densest, most concentrated coastal temperate rainforest left on Earth. In Desolation Sound, cultural interpreter and bear guide Klemkwateki (Randy) Louie teaches visitors how to weave with cedar bark and to carve miniature canoe paddles. He also takes guests by boat up the Toba Inlet (Yekwamen), among whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions, to the Klite River to watch grizzly bears in their natural habitat. “I’ve been involved in my Coast Salish teachings for 30 years, singing, drumming, dancing, giving visitors some Klahoose history. We’ve handed this down to the younger generation and to our guests to help with building a connection in working together.”

The 47-mile backcountry West Coast Trail (WCT) crosses beaches studded with flowerpot rock formations, and passes through groves of old-growth trees. Down the Vancouver Island coast is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail , a shorter but more hilly option. “Both trails zigzag through thick coastal rainforest with lots of muddy sections and ladders to help you up and down the steep slopes,” says Taryn Eyton, founder of HappiestOutdoors.ca .

Theforest suspension bridge over Pete Wolfe Creek on the Juan de Fuca trail on the way to Mystic Beach on Vancouver Island.

North: In the Northwest Territories (NWT), paddle the Nahanni River through Canada’s deepest river canyons, along rapids, and past Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. NWT is also where you can canoe and swim in enormous Great Slave Lake and spot the northern lights , visible here 240 nights per year.

Prairie provinces: Elk Island National Park , in Alberta , is home to bison, elk, and more than 250 bird species. Nearby on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Métis Crossing features a cultural center, historic exhibits, and dome accommodations with transparent ceilings for night-sky viewing. In early fall, Jasper National Park holds a Dark Sky festival with family-friendly events like night hikes.

Fly in by floatplane to lodges in Saskatchewan or Manitoba for trophy catches of northern pike, walleye, and lake trout. “Since there’s very little fishing pressure, the fish are typically giants, and more than willing to hit just about any lure you show them,” says Patrick Walsh, editor of Outdoor Canada magazine.

Ontario: Charter a boat and cruise the 120 miles from the capital Ottawa down the 19 th- century Rideau Canal (the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America), through a series of lakes, locks, and rivers. Drive west alongside Lake Ontario to Prince Edward County , one of the hottest vacation spots in Canada, known for its wineries, food, hip hotels, and historic small towns like Wellington and Picton. Climb the immense sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park, the largest freshwater barrier beach and dune system in the world. Continuing west along the lake, a new Canadian Canoe Museum opened in Peterborough in May 2024.

Quebec: Montreal comes alive in summer with a series of events, such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal . In compact, French-speaking Quebec City, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a charming town in northern France. Off the beaten path, drive the Gaspé peninsula, encompassing four national parks and iconic offshore limestone formation Percé. Stop in at the International Garden Festival at Grand-Métis, Quebec.

Atlantic Canada: A magical place of mountains and verdant coastline, Gros Morne National Park, in Newfoundland , is one of the few places where you can stroll atop the Earth’s mantle , exposed when two continental plates collided. Visitors can hike to the top of Western Brook Pond fjord for an iconic view , or board a boat . The oldest known European settlement in North America—beating Columbus by centuries—is at L'Anse aux Meadows . Windswept homes of timber, peat, and sod, the Viking site lay undiscovered until 1960.

At the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark in Nova Scotia marvel at the world’s highest tides in action.

Cape Breton Island is home to one of the world’s great drives, the 185-mile Cabot Trail. A few hardy types bike the steep winding hills. Offshore, visitors whale-watch or fish enormous bluefin tuna.

Flower Pot rocks, Soley Cove, Five Islands area, Nova Scotia, Canada, Cobequid Bay, Bay of Fundy; Ocean tides

Getting around Canada

By plane: Leading carrier Air Canada has more than 900 flights daily. Floatplanes operated by small companies connect remote locations. U.S.-bound passengers can pre-clear U.S. customs and immigration at nine Canadian airports.

B y train: Rail is the time-honored way to see Canada, and operators run specialized services for tourists, like Rocky Mountaineer’s deluxe routes from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Banff or Jasper. Regular train service by Via runs a limited number of routes.

By bus: Intercity bus service has declined across Canada.

By car: A car is essential for moving about within regions of Canada, but some top tourist spots—like Churchill for polar bears—are accessible only by plane or train.

By boat: Bounded by three oceans and with an abundance of lakes and rivers, a cruise or boat trip is a great way to see the country.

Know before you go

Cultural heritage: Native rights and the debts owed by settlers have become front and center in the public discourse, with land acknowledgements , which originated in Canada, now standard practice. Canada’s newest (1999) territory, Nunavut , is governed by the Inuit , and Torngat Mountains National Park , on the northern tip of Labrador, is owned and managed by the Inuit, the first of its kind.

The transcontinental railway helped establish Canada as a nation, but at the same time pushed aside Indigenous peoples and their rights. Blasting through the Canadian Rockies, untold numbers of imported Chinese workers died and were buried by their fellow countrymen, often in unmarked graves.

Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, but when Great Britain declared war in 1914 Canada automatically joined too as it did not yet control its own foreign affairs. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931, an official flag of its own only in 1965, and constitutional independence from the U.K. as recently as 1982.

Visitors arrive at Saglek Fjord's North Arm by boat and can fish for Arctic char. This site has been used for thousands of years as a summertime camping ground for the Inuit.

Hours: Bars in Canadian cities typically stay open until 2 a.m. Drinking age is 18 or 19, depending on province or territory, while some remote northern communities place restrictions on alcohol use. Marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal uses.

LGBTQ+: Canada is consistently ranked the world’s best country for LGBTQ+ rights and safety of travelers. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2005—at the time only the fourth country in the world to do so. Pride Toronto (June) is one of the largest organized gay pride festivals in the world.

How to visit Canada sustainably

Greenpeace was founded in Canada and today the country ranks a respectable 14 th out of 76 countries on the Green Future Index . Keep your distance from wildlife. Bring your own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and toiletries. Put all garbage and recyclables into designated bins. Support Indigenous peoples by taking guided walks and visiting Indigenous art galleries.

What to read and watch

Anne of Green Gables , by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This globally loved 1908 children’s book set on Prince Edward Island was adapted most recently into a Netflix series. November 30, 2024, will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Montgomery.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands , by Kate Beaton. This autobiographical comic from Cape Breton’s Kate Beaton recounts her experience as one of the few women working in the rough-and-tumble oil patch of northern Alberta. Beaton’s story also captures the never-ending tale of Canadians from the Atlantic provinces migrating westward for work.

The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America , by Thomas King. This history of Indigenous peoples in North America has been turned into a 2020 documentary .

The Sleeping Car Porter , by Suzette Mayr. The award-winning 2022 novel focuses on a 1920s Black closeted gay Canadian working as a railway porter to save money to attend dental school.

The Hockey Sweater , by Roch Carrier. This 1979 short story about a Quebec boy who receives a hated Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in error has been an enduring favorite of Canadians, managing to capture the importance of both hockey and winter to Canadian children, and also serving as an explainer of relations between English and French Canada.

Schitt’s Creek. The pandemic’s surprise hit series was written by and stars Canadians, and more than anything has a gentle, Canadian-defining vibe to it. If these characters are your people, you’ll feel at home in Canada.

Kim’s Convenience. Written by Ins Choi, this sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family who own a corner store in downtown Toronto captures the intimate feel of the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods, as well as the common multi-generational immigrant experience in one of the world’s most international metropolises.

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Water in the foreground, and a dam in the background.

Abnormally Dry Canada Taps U.S. Energy, Reversing Usual Flow

Lower-than-normal rain and snow have reduced Canada’s hydropower production, raising worries in the industry about the effects of climate change.

Canadian hydroelectric plants, like the Robert-Bourassa Generating Station in northern Quebec, have faced low water levels because of a recent drop in rain and snow. Credit...

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By Ivan Penn

Photographs by Ruth Fremson

Reporting from Hydro-Québec’s Robert-Bourassa Generating Station, Montreal and Portland, Ore.

June 3, 2024

In February, the United States did something that it had not done in many years — the country sent more electricity to Canada than it received from its northern neighbor. Then, in March, U.S. electricity exports to Canada climbed even more, reaching their highest level since at least 2010.

The increasing flow of power north is part of a worrying trend for North America: Demand for energy is growing robustly everywhere, but the supply of power — in Canada’s case from giant hydroelectric dams — and the ability to get the energy to where it’s needed are increasingly under strain.

Many energy experts say Canadian hydroelectric plants, which have had to reduce electricity production because of a recent drop in rain and snow, will eventually bounce back. But some industry executives are worried that climate change, which has already been linked to the explosive wildfires in Canada last year , could make it harder to predict when rain and snowfall will return to normal.

“We’ve all got to be humble in the face of more extreme weather,” said Chris O’Riley, president and chief executive of the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, which operates hydroelectric dams in western Canada. “We manage from year to year the ups and downs of water, and when we have the downs like we’re having, the lower levels, it’s common for us to import power, and we expect to continue that this year.”

The United States and Canada have long relied on each other because power use tends to peak north of the border during the winter when Canadians use electric heaters, and American electricity use peaks in the summer during air-conditioning season.

The abundance of Canada’s hydroelectric power has been a cornerstone of the trade, providing relatively low-cost renewable energy to California, Oregon, Washington State, New York State and New England.

But the supply-and-demand equation for energy is changing. Demand for electricity in many states has been climbing sharply in summer and winter. Some experts predict that winter electricity demand in the United States could eclipse summer demand by 2050.

At the same time, utilities are increasingly reliant on intermittent resources like solar and wind power. Large hydroelectric plants, once considered a stable source of electricity, have struggled with low reservoirs in California, around Hoover Dam and recently in Canada.

“We are facing real changes in the weather, and we’re finding out in real time how that’s going to affect hydroelectric operations, pretty much across North America,” said Robert McCullough of McCullough Research, a firm based in Portland, Ore., who has been a consultant for corporate customers of Canadian utilities since the 1980s.

In addition, electricity use is expected to climb as people and businesses turn to electric heat pumps, cars and industrial equipment to replace devices that burn oil, natural gas and coal. Demand is also growing because of data centers .

One solution is to build more power lines, something the Biden administration and some states are working on. But energy experts say the United States also ought to add more such connections to Canada. That would allow, for example, solar farms in California to supply Canada when its dams don’t have enough water and for Canadian utilities to send more power south when they have an abundance.

“Most models suggest that a more interconnected grid is a better grid,” said Shelley Welton, a presidential distinguished professor at the University of Pennsylvania who helped write a recent report on electric grid reliability and governance. “I do think there is power in being interconnected across North America. We need scenario planning. We need long-term planning.”

In an aerial view, snow and ice are visible above a dam’s spillway and to the left.

Set among the pine and spruce trees of northern Quebec, the Robert-Bourassa hydroelectric dam represents the promises and challenges inherent in harnessing renewable energy.

The plant’s operator, Hydro-Québec, a utility owned by the Canadian province, built the power plant on a bank of La Grande River as part of a network of stations that can produce more than twice as much electricity as the largest U.S. power plant — the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in Washington State.

The La Grande complex has helped Hydro-Québec become a leading supplier to New York State and New England. But less snow than normal has forced Hydro-Québec and other Canadian utilities to import more power from the United States in recent months.

“It looks like conditions are abnormally dry,” said Gilbert Bennett, president of Water Power Canada, a nonprofit that represents the hydropower industry. “The year-to-year variations are becoming large.”

Hydro-Québec executives say they expect the dry spell to end soon, citing similar stretches in 2004 and 2014. Models predict an increase in precipitation of 6 to 8 percent for eastern Canada over the next 25 years, the company said.

Serge Abergel, chief operating officer for Hydro-Québec Energy Services, said Canada’s greater reliance on the United States had been a temporary way for hydro plants to save their water. He added that as both countries modernized and expanded their grids with more renewable and efficient resources, they would be able to complement each other.

“The transition is also creating opportunities,” Mr. Abergel said during a recent tour of the Robert-Bourassa dam. “You optimize these resources.”

In general, the United States would prefer to import more power from Canada because it’s much cheaper. Hydro-Québec’s residential customers pay about $50 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, Mr. Abergel said, compared with $236 in New York State and $276 on average in New England .

The company’s costs are low because its hydro plants were built and paid off long ago. But bringing that affordable power south is expensive — Canadian hydro energy costs homeowners in Massachusetts twice as much as it does residents of Quebec, according to an analysis by McCullough Research.

Hydro-Québec has been building more power lines. It is taking part in one project, the Champlain Hudson Power Express , which is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The $6 billion, roughly 339-mile-long transmission line will connect a substation in La Prairie, near Montreal, to a converter station in Astoria, Queens. The line will be able to deliver enough energy to serve more than a million homes in New York City.

“If you want to transition quickly, you need more transmission,” Mr. Abergel said. But, “we’re not incentivizing someone to come up with solutions,” he added. “We’re doing things piecemeal.”

Mr. Abergel said Hydro-Québec would meet all of its obligations to New York and other states despite the dry conditions because it can preserve water by reducing how much electricity its hydro power produces and importing more energy from the United States. This way, the company will still have enough water to export power when energy demand is higher in New York and New England.

But some energy experts are not so sanguine. Mr. McCullough, the consultant, said he worried that global warming could so strain reservoirs that it would no longer be feasible for Canadian utilities to keep enough water in reserve to make it through a very long dry spell.

“Each time we have one of these episodes,” Mr. McCullough said, “it’s a white-knuckle moment.”

How dependent the utilities in the United States and Canada are on each other is on stark display in Oregon. Portland General Electric, a utility serving about two million residents in the state, tracks water flows and snowpack in British Columbia from an operations center near Portland.

When drought and wildfires threaten areas around the Columbia River, hydroelectric plants and transmission lines that connect Canada, Washington, Oregon and California become vulnerable.

“What we’re really concerned about right now is the snowpack is low in Canada,” said Darrington Outama, senior director of power operations at Portland General Electric. “What we focus on as a region is how are they doing up there.”

In addition to importing electricity from British Columbia, PGE gets power from two small hydroelectric plants in the Bull Run watershed east of Portland.

Oregon’s Bull Run rainforest does not get water from the Columbia River. But a severe wildfire like one last summer could force officials to shut down those dams and stop drawing water from Bull Run. If that happened, Portland would have to rely on groundwater, which could in turn affect the Columbia River and hydroelectric dams tied to it.

“We have to think about all of the scenarios,” Kristin Anderson, water resources program manager for the Portland Water Bureau, said during a tour of the Bull Run. “We’ve been seeing more rapid shifts of weather moments. We’re planning throughout the season to be ready for anything.”

Hydroelectric plants often are the lowest priority for water use. As a result, wildfires, low snowpack and drought can lead to significant reductions in their production. If demand for electricity is high at the same time, regional energy grids could buckle.

“There were these historic patterns of power from north to south,” Mr. O’Riley of British Columbia Hydro said. “All of those patterns have been upended. Power’s flowing in all different directions.”

In a twist, California, which suffered a severe drought in recent years, has lately been awash. Blizzards, atmospheric rivers and other storms have covered the state’s mountains in snow and topped off reservoirs, enabling its dams to crank out lots of electricity.

The state also recently installed many large batteries that allow utilities to use the abundant solar power for hours after the sun has set.

California’s energy plenitude should be a boon to British Columbia, Oregon and Washington State, but energy executives said there weren’t enough transmission lines to carry all of that surplus electricity north where it is needed.

Ivan Penn is a reporter based in Los Angeles and covers the energy industry. His work has included reporting on clean energy, failures in the electric grid and the economics of utility services. More about Ivan Penn

Ruth Fremson is a Times photographer, based in Seattle, who covers stories nationally and internationally. More about Ruth Fremson

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Paris Olympics: Opening athlete parade on a river, not in a stadium, tops list of innovations

FILE - Logan Edra, also known as B-Girl Logistx, of the United States competes in the B-girl Red Bull BC One World Final at Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Manhattan, New York. Breakdancing will make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

FILE - Victor Montalvo, also known as B-Boy Victor, of the United States, competes in the B-boy Red Bull BC One World Final at Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in New York. Breakdancing will make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics.(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)

FILE - Head of Paris 2024 Olympics Tony Estanguet, attends a press conference ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 to present the opening ceremonies, in Paris, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. Exactly 100 years since the Olympics were last staged in Paris, and 128 years since its modern revival in Athens, the Summer Games can still deliver fresh looks for its 33rd edition. This historic first for any Summer Games will launch the Paris Olympics and can be its defining image: Thousands of athletes in a flotilla sailing westward along the River Seine at sunset toward the Eiffel Tower on Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, file)

Surfer Italo Ferreira of Brazil competes on his way to winning the latest competition of the World Surf League Championship Tour in Teahupoʻo in Tahiti on May 30, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

Surfer Vahine Fierro of France competes on her way to winning the latest competition of the World Surf League Championship Tour in Teahupoʻo in Tahiti on May 29, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

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GENEVA (AP) — Exactly 100 years since the Olympics were last staged in Paris, and 128 years since its modern revival in Athens, the Summer Games can still deliver fresh looks for its 33rd edition.

Here is a look at the innovations the Paris Olympics will showcase:

OPENING CEREMONY

This historic first for any Summer Games will launch the Paris Olympics and can be its defining image: Thousands of athletes in a flotilla sailing westward along the River Seine at sunset toward the Eiffel Tower on Friday, July 26.

The ambitious idea was to bring the tone-setting spectacle out of an expensively ticketed stadium and into the city where many more people can see it.

A crowd of 320,000 people is expected on the riverbanks along the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route from Pont d’Austerlitz to Pont d’Iéna.

Tickets will be free for about 220,000 invited and security-screened spectators watching from the upper river bank.

About 100,000 paying spectators, including lavish hospitality packages, will watch from the lower riverside and around the Trocadéro plaza — where the parade will end looking across to the Eiffel Tower.

It is the most audacious plan for a main Olympics ceremony — the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics tested a non-traditional opening in downtown Buenos Aires — and its most fraught security risk.

Los Angeles Sparks' Cameron Brink (22) blocks the shot of Chicago Sky's Dana Evans during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

The original plan for 600,000 spectators allowed for more spontaneity in the city but less security.

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the river-borne parade could be moved if the city is struck again by terrorists as it was in 2015 . The closing ceremony on Aug. 11 is scheduled in the Stade de France national arena after it hosts track and field in the final week.

“Since we are professional, there are obviously plan Bs, plan Cs, et cetera,” Macron said in December.

Ideally, Paris will bring its A-game.

GENDER PARITY

Paris was where women first competed at the Olympics — in 1900 with 22 of the 997 athletes in competition.

Women competed in tennis and golf, plus as part of team events in sailing, croquet, and equestrianism.

Charlotte Cooper of Britain became the first female individual gold medalist by winning the tennis singles event.

This time, for the first time, women have an equal share with men of an entry quota that is now 10,500 athletes across 329 events.

“This is our contribution to a more gender-equal world,” IOC president Thomas Bach has said.

That 2.2% proportion of female athletes in 1900 had risen to 23% at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, where American Joan Benoit won the first women’s Olympic marathon.

There were debuts in Los Angeles for rhythmic gymnastics and what was then called synchronized swimming. It is now artistic swimming and men will make their Olympic debut in the event in Paris.

As the total of female athletes approached 50%, the IOC put pressure on Olympic teams that traditionally sent only men to complete. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei included female athletes for the first time at London in 2012.

It reached 48% at the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021 when teams were encouraged to select a man and a woman each to be flagbearers at the opening ceremony.

With gender parity on the field of play, a challenge for the IOC is to one day have a female president. Nine men have led the IOC since 1894.

The next presidential election is due in March 2025, and the Olympic body has only ever had one female candidate. In 2001, Anita DeFrantz, a bronze medalist in rowing for the United States at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, was eliminated first in a five-candidate contest won by Jacques Rogge.

PRIZE MONEY

In Paris, prize money will be paid to gold medalists directly from Olympic revenues in a controversial break with tradition.

Not by the IOC, however, which has clearly objected to the promise made in April by track and field’s governing body World Athletics.

Each of the 48 gold medals in track and field in Paris carries a $50,000 prize. For Los Angeles in 2028, World Athletics also wants to pay prize money for silver and bronze.

Prize money has become routine for Olympic athletes when paid by state governments and national Olympic bodies.

France will pay its gold medalists around $85,000 each. The U.S Olympic and Paralympic Committee runs “Project Gold,” which gives $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze.

However, the $2.4 million pledge announced by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe will come directly from the sport’s share of the IOC’s multi-billion dollar income from broadcasting and sponsor deals.

In Tokyo, the IOC set aside about $540 million for the collective group of Summer Games sports bodies, known as ASOIF, to share among its members . Track is a top-tier Olympic sport and so got the highest payment, almost $39.5 million.

The IOC does not want a trend to develop, prefering governing bodies spend their Olympic revenues on development projects. World Athletics is among the few with money to spare to reward elite athletes.

BREAKING THROUGH

Breakdance will make its Olympic debut in Paris.

Breaking’s 50-year journey from the Bronx will arrive at the Place de la Concorde, where 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls will compete on Aug. 9-10.

The sport’s Olympic path overseen by the World DanceSport Federation follows the downtown opening ceremony concept — tested in Buenos Aires in 2018 and realized in Paris.

Breaking might yet be one and done. It has been dropped for 2028 in Los Angeles before getting a chance to prove itself. Los Angeles organizers have opted instead to give cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash their modern Olympic debuts.

It is unclear yet if Brisbane will push to give breaking a second chance in 2032.

Add surfing by a beach in Tahiti to the picture postcard images in store from the Paris Olympics.

Staging an event half a world away from the Olympic host city is not unique though this time it is by design, and concurrently.

In 1956, horse quarantine rules in Australia meant equestrian events were held in Stockholm, Sweden, five months before the opening ceremony in Melbourne.

Paris organizers stuck to their wish taking surfing to French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean even when the IOC preferred to use an option on the mainland, like the Atlantic Ocean resort Biarritz.

Teahupo’o was approved and the controversy that has followed was not about excessive long-haul flights but instead building a tower for the judges in the sea that could damage the coral reef.

AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Paris Olympics: Opening athlete parade on a river, not in a stadium, tops list of innovations

Logan Edra, also known as B-Girl Logistx, of the United States competes in the B-girl Red Bull BC One World Final at Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Manhattan, New York. Breakdancing will make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Credit: AP/Andres Kudacki

GENEVA — Exactly 100 years since the Olympics were last staged in Paris, and 128 years since its modern revival in Athens, the Summer Games can still deliver fresh looks for its 33rd edition.

Here is a look at the innovations the Paris Olympics will showcase:

OPENING CEREMONY

The ambitious idea was to bring the tone-setting spectacle out of an expensively ticketed stadium and into the city where many more people can see it.

A crowd of 320,000 people is expected on the riverbanks along the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route from Pont d’Austerlitz to Pont d’Iéna.

Tickets will be free for about 220,000 invited and security-screened spectators watching from the upper river bank.

Victor Montalvo, also known as B-Boy Victor, of the United States, competes in the B-boy Red Bull BC One World Final at Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in New York. Breakdancing will make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Credit: AP/Andres Kudacki

It is the most audacious plan for a main Olympics ceremony — the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics tested a non-traditional opening in downtown Buenos Aires — and its most fraught security risk.

The original plan for 600,000 spectators allowed for more spontaneity in the city but less security.

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the river-borne parade could be moved if the city is struck again by terrorists as it was in 2015. The closing ceremony on Aug. 11 is scheduled in the Stade de France national arena after it hosts track and field in the final week.

Surfer Italo Ferreira of Brazil competes on his way to winning the latest competition of the World Surf League Championship Tour in Teahupoʻo in Tahiti on May 30, 2024. Credit: AP